Locked and Loaded by Samantha Cayto

Former army-turned-ER doctor Grace McKinnon is through with going to bed with nothing more than fantasies and a yearning to resurrect her personal life. She’s determined instead to take the Cougar Challenge with a flesh and hot-blooded younger man. She discovers the perfect opportunity steaming up the curtain of exam room four.

Captain Mark Bennington has been locked and loaded—ready for action—since meeting Grace. He’s on a mission to heat up the Boston nights while on leave. This sexy older woman is lighting his way, fulfilling double-time every sex wish he’s ever made. But it’s going to be the toughest fight of his life to convince her to take a chance on more than just a fling.

When one can blend age and health issues with comedy and sex just right, a wonderful story emerges. Ms. Cato has done that with Locked and Loaded. A delightful tale that combines cougars, PTSD, Spanx and a wish list.

It all starts when West Point graduate, Captain Mark Bennington brings his friend, Sean Conroy, into the ER to have his hand checked by ex-Army Doctor Grace McKinnon. Grace immediately realizes that Sean is suffering from PTSD. Sean’s family doesn’t want to deal with this issue and just tells him to man up. This sensitive issue is dealt with in a very compassionate and caring manner. Sean’s PTSD plays an important role throughout the storyline. It also brings front and center Grace’s Purple Heart. With three tours overseas, her reluctance to speak of what happened over there once again rang so true to life.

Dr. Grace McKinnon is forty-two years young and single, but old in life experiences. Grace has a brother-in-law who thinks she should marry him. His grown children feel them same way, since Grace raised them when her sister died. I loved her ethics argument with herself in the ER when she was fantasizing about what she wanted to do with Mark. To forget about Mark, Grace decided to have one of my favorite things, a Johnny Depp movie marathon.

Her neighbor, Danny, adds levity when Grace is feeling down. Though Grace calls Danny a child molester for liking Orlando Bloom, she compares Mark to Orlando’s younger, blonder brother. Danny’s witty quips had me smiling throughout the story. I especially loved when Danny went through Graces books and came up with his “Ding, ding, we have a winner” comment.

Mark, who’s thirty, defends Grace when Sean calls her old enough to be his mom. There is also a running nickname of Dr. Mom given to Grace by Sean. Then again, if not for a dare from Sean, Mark may not have called Grace for a date. I also enjoyed how Mark was up front about the age elephant and got it out of the way at the beginning of their dinner date. There was a cute scene later that night about Grace’s Spanx, humorously comparing it to Kevlar armor. Ms. Cato also dealt with how to take it off in an efficient, realistic way.

When I read Locked and Loaded, I got not only a delightful Cougar book, but a sophisticated story that tackled many sensitive issues in a realistic and compassionate way. If you have not read any of the books in the Cougar Series, I highly recommend starting with this fantastic story.

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~ Stockholm Surrender

~ Trouble In Thigh High Boots

# Blood of Luna

~ Skye High

~ Climbing Her Tower

# Ava's Pleasure

* Shadow of the Wolf

^ Seduction of My Proper Wife

My Immortal

Believe

Blue Light Special

Shut Up and Kiss Me

~ Teacher Her Manners (Sizzler)

^ Blood of Luna

Love Beyond Sight

The Crawford Boys Series

Turkish Delights

Shut Up & Kiss Me

Fire Woman

RATING EXPLANATION:

1 Star -- At this time, we at Whipped Cream do not post these reviews. If the book was boring, badly edited, poorly written, had little or no plot, stilted dialogue, and/or unsympathetic characters, we will decline the review.

2 Stars -- Not wonderful, but tolerable. There may be some minor editing glitches but not enough to stop you reading. Not a wall-banger, but nothing you'd re-read. This is a book you would borrow from the library - not buy- and never check out again.

3 Stars -- Good. Mostly enjoyable. You made it through and didn't consider it a waste of time or money. The story was strong enough or the conflict tight enough, so even when the book faltered, it was able to draw you back in and keep you. There's a chance you'll recommend it to a friend, but it wouldn't go on your keeper shelf.

4 Stars-- Very Good. You're glad you were the one who got to review this book. You would probably buy it and would definitely recommend it to your friends. You liked the characters and the plot. The writing style was good and the editing clean.

5 Stars -- Great! You would definitely buy this book. You would definitely recommend it to your friends. You really loved the characters and the plot and would consider looking for this authors back list or making her an autobuy. The writing and editing were superb.

WC Best Book - For a book or story that is truly exceptional. You think about it when you're not reading it. You wonder what happens to the characters when you finish. You would absolutely buy everything else this author had to offer. The highest praise - and reserved for only a few.

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